Example of problem solving: Elevator waiting times
Step 4: Implement
Introduction to Problem Solving 20
Example of problem solving: Elevator waiting times
Step 1: Define the problem
• Waiting times were not excessively long (minutes)
• People were bored
Step 2: Generate alternative solutions
• Addition of another lift
• Create pleasant waiting environment
Step 3: Evaluate and select best solution
• Engineering solution costly, timely
• Social solution – implementation immediate, low cost
Step 4: Implement
Introduction to Problem Solving 21
Activity
Week 2
Series of logical puzzles
https://www.mathsisfun.com/games/ninja/lightybulb/
Electrical Engineering Methods 1A 23
Module 3: Introduction problem solving
What is problem solving?
Prof S von Solms
Simple (well-defined) & Complex problems
Introduction to Problem Solving 2
Simple (well-defined) problems
• Largely defined but may require clarification.
• Discrete, focused tasks within engineering systems.
• Routine and frequently encountered and may be unfamiliar but in a familiar context.
• Can be solved in standardised or prescribed ways
• Encompassed by standards, codes and documented procedures
• Information is concrete and largely complete but requires checking and possible supplementation.
Introduction to Problem Solving 3
Simple (well-defined) problem: Example
Introduction to Problem Solving 4
Simple (well-defined) problem: Example
Electrical Engineering Methods 1A 5
Complex problems
• Scope of activities may encompass entire complex engineering systems or complex subsystems;
• A context that is complex and varying, is multidisciplinary, requires teamwork, unpredictable, may need
to be identified;
• Requires diverse and significant resources: including people, money, equipment, materials, technologies;
• Significant interactions exist between wide- ranging or conflicting technical, engineering or other
issues;
• Are constrained by time, finance, infrastructure, resources, facilities, standards & codes, applicable laws;
• Have significant risks and consequences in a range of contexts.
Need to use the 4 steps of problem solving to solve the complex problem
Introduction to Problem Solving 6
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (5 lines)
Use a pencil to draw five (5) continuous straight line segments which go through all 9 dots without taking
the pencil off the paper.
Introduction to Problem Solving 7
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (5 lines)
Use a pencil to draw five (5) continuous
Do you understand the problem clearly? (Step
straight line segments which go through all 9
1 of problem solving)
dots without taking the pencil off the paper.
• Can the line segments cross?
• Do I need to start at a dot?
• Can a dot be crossed more than once?
• Can a dot be crossed or touched more than
once?
• Must the line segments be straight?
• Is there a limit to how long a line segment can
be?
Introduction to Problem Solving 8
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (5 lines)
Use a pencil to draw five (5) continuous
Do you understand the problem clearly? (Step
straight line segments which go through all 9
1 of problem solving)
dots without taking the pencil off the paper.
• Can the line segments cross? YES
• Do I need to start at a dot? NO
• Can a dot be crossed more than once? YES
• Can a dot be crossed or touched more than
once? YES
• Must the line segments be straight? YES
• Is there a limit to how long a line segment can
be? NO
• Must a line turn on a dot? NO
Introduction to Problem Solving 9
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (5 lines -solved)
Use a pencil to draw five (5) continuous straight line segments which go through all 9 dots without taking
the pencil off the paper.
1 5
1
2
2
2
5 3
4
4 4 1
3 5 3
Introduction to Problem Solving 10
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (4 lines)
Use a pencil to draw four (4) continuous straight line segments which go all 9 dots without taking the
pencil off the paper.
Introduction to Problem Solving 11
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (4 lines -solved)
Use a pencil to draw four (4) continuous straight line segments which go all 9 dots without taking the
pencil off the paper.
3
4 4
1
3
2 2
Introduction to Problem Solving 12
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (3 lines)
Use a pencil to draw three (3) continuous straight line segments which go through all 9 dots without
taking the pencil off the paper.
Introduction to Problem Solving 13
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (3 lines -solved)
Use a pencil to draw three (3) continuous straight line segments which go through all 9 dots without
taking the pencil off the paper.
Introduction to Problem Solving 14
Complex problems: 9 Dot problem (1 line)
Use a pencil to draw one (1) straight line segment which go through all 9 dots without taking the pencil off
the paper.
Introduction to Problem Solving 15
Module 5: Problem solving: step 1
Define the problem
Prof S von Solms
General issues & observations
• Hand in your class assignments
• Do no Google the logical puzzle solutions
• Come to class
• Ask is you have any questions
• Buy a pencil & eraser
• Get to know how to use Blackboard!!
Electrical Engineering Methods 1A 2
Lightbulb puzzles
https://www.mathsisfun.com/games/ninja/lightybulb/
Electrical Engineering Methods 1A 3
Four steps of Problem Solving
1 Define the problem 2 Generate alternative solutions
Do not react to what you think the problem is. Keep others involved – don’t work alone
Identify the issue that you're dealing with. Brainstorm for solutions
Gather information. Employ a variety of strategies to develop multiple solutions
Aim to understand what the problem is and why it exists. Consider all possibilities (not only technical)
3 Evaluate and select best solution 4 Implement solution & follow up
Evaluate all alternatives without bias Plan & draw up an action plan (drawings, plans etc)
Which approach is the most realistic (time, cost, resources etc) Implement solution
What are the risks? Gather feedback & conduct ongoing monitoring
Select best solution
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 4
Step 1: Define the problem
• Do not react to what you think the problem is.
• Aim to understand what the problem is and why it exists.
• Gather information and research – you cannot solve a problem if you do not understand the problem
• Differentiate fact from opinion - Identify the issue that you're dealing with.
• Gather information. - Consult each faction involved for information
• State the problem specifically
• Determine in which process the problem lies
• Avoid trying to solve the problem without data
• Specify underlying causes
• Who, What, When, Why, Where, How?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 5
The Importance of an Accurate Description
“A problem well stated is a problem half-solved” - Charles Kettering, General Motors
“Well-defined problems lead to breakthrough solutions.” - Harvard Business Review
“The majority of companies and individuals aren’t sufficiently rigorous in defining the problems they’re
attempting to solve and articulating why the solution is important.”
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 6
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
• Create a clear, concise statement problem statement
• What is the problem?
• Why is fixing the problem important?
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved?
• How did the problem happen?
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 7
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
Problem statement should be as clear and complete as possible.
Example:
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
inaccurate, unclear problem statement
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 8
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important?
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved?
• How did the problem happen?
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 9
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved?
• How did the problem happen?
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 10
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen?
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 11
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen? Student cannot continue summer job and cannot save as much as hoped
• Where is the problem occurring?
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 12
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen? Student cannot continue summer job and cannot save as much as hoped
• Where is the problem occurring? At University of Johannesburg
• Who does the problem affect?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 13
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen? Student cannot continue summer job and cannot save as much as hoped
• Where is the problem occurring? At University of Johannesburg
• Who does the problem affect? The student
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 14
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
A student considering whether to attend university might conclude that “I cannot go to university this
coming semester.”
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen? Student cannot continue summer job and cannot save as much as hoped
• Where is the problem occurring? At University of Johannesburg
• Who does the problem affect? The student
• So What? Why is this important in the broader scheme of things (context)? Academics and the completion
of a degree is of critical importance to students (especially in SA) with the high youth unemployment rate.
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 15
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
• What is the problem? lack of funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees
• Why is fixing the problem important? Degree and the start of career will be delayed at least six months
• When did the problem arise? When does it need to be solved? By 1 March 2020
• How did the problem happen? Student cannot continue summer job and cannot save as much as hoped
• Where is the problem occurring? At University of Johannesburg
• Who does the problem affect? The student
“I (who) lack the funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees (what) at UJ (where) by March 1st
(when). I cannot continue my summer job and cannot save as much as I had hoped (how). As a result, my
degree and the start of my career will be delayed at least six months (why).”
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 16
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
Before:
“I cannot go to university this coming semester.”
After:
“I lack the funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees at UJ by March 1st 2020. I cannot
continue my summer job and cannot save as much as I had hoped. As a result, my degree and the
start of my career will be delayed at least six months.”
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 17
Using the Kipling Method (Five W’s and One H)
“I cannot go to university this coming semester.”
No idea what the problem is. Funding, sickness, bad grades, family emergency ?
“I lack the funds to pay the coming semester’s tuition and fees at UJ by March 1st 2020. I cannot
continue my summer job and cannot save as much as I had hoped. As a result, my degree and the
start of my career will be delayed at least six months.”
Can lead to solutions: seeking scholarships, borrowing funds, attending a different college for lower tuition,
working part-time while attending school, reducing other expenditures to save, or a combination of all.
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 18
Using the Ishikawa diagram (Fishbone diagram)
To determine the cause-effect relationships
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 19
Using the Ishikawa diagram (Fishbone diagram)
To determine the cause-effect relationships
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 20
Using the Ishikawa diagram (Fishbone diagram)
Laptop? Forgot to Family?
register?
Cannot go to
university this
coming semester
No job
Money? Move out UJ admin
Books? of Jhb? mistake?
Problem Solving Step 1: Define the problem 21
